Lead Systems Engineer

About the role

We are looking for a Lead Systems Engineer to drive the design and delivery of innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) co‑pilot systems. Reporting to the CTO, you will define system requirements, architecture and modelling to push the boundaries of autonomous technology.

Key responsibilities

• Define system architecture, CONOPS and top‑level requirements for a new UAS product.
• Lead technology selection, trade studies and manage performance budgets across subsystems.
• Establish system interfaces, integration strategies and act as technical authority in customer and certification discussions.
• Create and implement a new systems‑engineering process, including requirements management and traceability frameworks.
• Guide junior engineers and pioneer AI‑augmented workflows within systems engineering.

Required profile

• 5+ years of systems engineering experience on complex products with full lifecycle exposure.
• Proven track record of taking design authority and delivering certified products (e.g., DO‑178, DO‑254, ISO 26262).
• Experience establishing engineering processes in fast‑growing organisations.
• Hands‑on experience with both hardware and software integration.
• Strong interest in AI tooling and willingness to pioneer new approaches.

Required skills

• System architecture and requirements management.
• Hardware and software system integration.
• Interface control and traceability.
• Model‑based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Knowledge of safety and security standards: DO‑178, DO‑254, ISO 26262, ISO 27001, AS 9100, ISO 9001.

What we offer

• Merit‑based compensation and 5 % employer pension contribution.
• 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays.
• Relocation support and flexible work environment.
• Team socials, free Monday lunch, Cycle‑to‑Work scheme, private medical insurance and yearly voucher.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge autonomous technology in a fast‑growing start‑up.